It seemed odd not to see Steve Jobs doing the presentation, but today Apple launched its venture into the self-publshing market and set out to produce and sell digital textbooks. Publishers Weekly has a few things to say.

Apple squeezed those apps that let users buy from within the app. Amazon sent its new browser into the fray. What do all the terms mean and what do they mean for the reading (and selling) experience? FutureBook takes a look.

Apple banned shopping from apps; Amazon did a workaround. FutureBook explains. It is curious that Apple does not strive to make its own store more robust, rather than attempt to steer traffic. You catch more customers with honey...

Long threatened, but not enforced, Apple has begun requiring all content be purchased through its stores at a thirty percent profit to itself. FutureBook explains. Kobo is apparently the first; Amazon has not yet been touched and is unlikely to accede quietly.

It's the big day when those who choose to buy and read anything other than iBooks on an Apple product find out if the company is dumb enough, and greedy enough to offend a hoard of customers. Futurebook reports.

Apple has set a deadline of March 31st for developers to comply with its demands that purchases be available through its stores, at, one must add, the usual thirty percent cut for Apple. The Bookseller.com reports. It what could be a clash of the titans, it's not at all clear how Apple and Amazon are going to agree, since sales to iPad users are a major revenue stream for both companies.